Enchanting Rhine Christmas Markets – Save up to $3,400 per couple*

DAY 1 – ARRIVE AMSTERDAM

Embark Ship

Welcome to Amsterdam. We’ll meet you on arrival and transfer you to your ship. Settle into your suite before getting to know your fellow travellers and APT Cruise Director at a welcome reception. Savour fresh locally sourced oysters with regional sparkling wine. After your first dinner on board, you may like to explore the city at your own pace.

Seven nights aboard APT Alara

Meals: Dinner

DAY 2 – AMSTERDAM

Spend the day in the Dutch capital on your preferred activity. Rejoin the ship in Utrecht and cruise towards Germany in the afternoon.

Freedom of Choice – Glass-Top Boat Canal Cruise

Step aboard a glass-top boat and glide through Amsterdam’s iconic maze of World Heritage-listed canals, admiring the unique gable facades of the buildings, and 17th-century architecture along the way – a tranquil way to experience the city.

Freedom of Choice – Culinary Discovery

Discover the culinary favourites of The Netherlands. See and taste a variety of Dutch delicacies as you visit local producers.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3 – COLOGNE

Discover the rich history and charm of Cologne on a guided walking tour. A highlight of the tour is a visit to Cologne Cathedral. This gothic masterpiece overlooking the Rhine took over seven centuries to complete and is considered one of finest Catholic cathedrals in the world. The cathedral’s iconic twin spires rise high above the city, greeting visitors from a distance as they sail into Cologne. It is Germany’s most visited landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure. Wander through Cologne’s enchanting Christmas Markets, ideally located along the riverfront, where festive lights, hand-crafted decorations, and the distinctive aroma of cinnamon, cloves, orange peel, and other Christmas spices fill the air. Sip hot glühwein, savour lebkuchen cookies, and revel in the rich traditions of German Christmas.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4 – ANDERNACH, RUDESHEIM

This morning, enjoy an exclusive Signature Experience and a favourite among APT guests. Later, back on board your vessel, begin a scenic journey sailing between Andernach and Rüdesheim, a strech considered one of the most spectacular along the Rhine River. Glide past ancient castles, monasteries, vineyards, historical towns and villages.

Signature Experience – Namedy Castle

Visit Namedy Castle, a 14th-century residence set near the Rhine River in Germany, and the home of Princess Heide von Hohenzollern. If you’re lucky, you might have the opportunity to meet the princess, if she’s in residence. Discover the rich interiors of the palace on a guided tour, admiring the ornately decorated rooms, perfectly manicured gardens and grounds. Afterwards, relax during morning tea, while a pianist sets the mood with a performance of classical music.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5 – RUDESHEIM

Explore one of Germany’s most revered cultural and historic cities with your chosen activity.

Freedom of Choice – Gondola Ride

Glide over the emerald vineyards of the Rhine Valley in a gondola, enjoying stunning vistas. At the top, arrive at the Niederwald Monument, commemorating the unification of Germany in 1871.

Freedom of Choice – Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum

Take a tour of Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. This eccentric and unique museum is home to a beautiful collection of fascinating automated musical instruments from all stages of history. During the festive season, the Christmas market transforms the town’s square into a festive wonderland, filled with delightful hand-craftec gifts and delicious treats only available at this joyful time of year.

Freedom of Choice – Visit a Historic Wine Cellar

Visit a historic wine cellar for a tasting of Rhine Valley wines. Discover why this location is one of Germany’s most well-known wine regions, and perhaps savour a hot mug of Christmas glühwein.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6 – STRASBOURG

Embark on a guided walking tour of Strasbourg, discovering the city’s charming medieval historic quarter, filled with cobbled streets, picturesque squares and enchanting canals. During the tour, experience the region’s rich culinary heritage with a tasting of traditional Alsatian cheeses and freshly made macarons, showcasing the flavours of Strasbourg, located in the northeast of France, near the border with Germany.

This afternoon, embrace the festive spirit of Strasbourg as you wander through the atmospheric lanes of the renowned Christkindelsmärik. Dating back more than four centuries, Strasbourg’s celebrated Christmas market transforms the city’s historic heart into a captivating winter wonderland, where festive lights strewn between the city’s famous half-timbered buildings create an unforgettable ambience. Take time to soak up the enchanting atmosphere and discover why Strasbourg is known as the ‘Capital of Christmas’.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7 – BREISACH

Arrive in Breisach today and discover the region on your preferred activity.

Freedom of Choice – Local Wine Tour

Journey through a landscape of terraced vineyards and charming wine villages while gaining insight into a winemaking tradition that has shaped the region’s identity for generations.

Freedom of Choice – Colmar Guided Tour

Discover the charm of Colmar, one of Alsace’s most picturesque towns, known for its colourful half-timbered houses, canals and rich cultural heritage. Enjoy a guided tour before time at leisure to explore the town’s enchanting Christmas markets, where festive lights, local traditions and seasonal treats create a truly magical atmosphere.

Freedom of Choice – Black Forest

Journey into the snow-dusted landscapes of the Black Forest, where picturesque villages, centuries-old traditions and the artistry of cuckoo clock making offer a fascinating glimpse into local life.

DAY 8 – BASEL

Disembark Ship

Your extraordinary Rhine Cruise concludes today. Following breakfast, say goodbye and be transferred to the airport.

Meals: Breakfast

Discover a new era of river cruising with APT Solara, APT Ostara and APT Alara – APT’s brand-new river ships. Thoughtfully designed to blend contemporary luxury with a relaxed atmosphere, these vessels offer a distinctly European experience through a uniquely Australian lens. Enjoy more space, more choice, and more ways to explore Europe’s iconic waterways than ever before. Welcome to a fleet where sophistication meets innovation.​

With just 154 guests and 60 crew, the exceptional crew goes beyond every expectation, delivering service with personality, precision and pride in every interaction. Smaller guest numbers mean more meaningful connections – expect attentive service that’s warm, intuitive, and refreshingly personal.​

Designed by acclaimed Australian studio Hecker Guthrie, every space seamlessly unites contemporary design with timeless European influence. The interiors feel curated, not constructed — inviting relaxation, connection, and quiet indulgence.

Six World-Class Dining Venues

With more onboard dining venues than any other European river ships, experience world-class dishes featuring the finest seasonal, locally sourced produce aboard the new-generation fleet.

• Afloat – This one-of-a-kind venue raises the bar, both figuratively and literally, boasting the best 360-degree views of the surrounding riverscape.

• Bistro Saison – Serving dishes inspired by Europe’s classic neighbourhood bistros, the main dining room celebrates rich European fare.

• The Salon – The inviting main lounge offers a delicious array of fresh and healthy dishes over breakfast or lunch, transitioning into a live entertainment venue in the evening.
• Annie’s Table – Indulge in a menu full of familiar favourites in this contemporary dining venue. Share a delicious meal accompanied by your preferred beverage.

• Daystar Deck – With a rooftop barbeque sizzling with Mediterranean-fare, a bar offering delectable cocktails, an alluring pool and an inviting Conversation Pit, this venue is the ideal place to relax with newfound friends.

• The Owner’s Cellar – With sophisticated decor alluding to an exclusive atmosphere, the wine cellar offers delectable courses served from a refined menu.

Suites

The exquisitely appointed suites feature interiors inspired by the changing seasons, offering a wealth of in-suite services and indulgent Marie-Stella-Maris amenities. Relax in an environment that is as calming as it is luxurious, with every element tailored to enhance your comfort. Whether you’re unwinding after a day of exploration or enjoying a quiet moment, these suites become a peaceful haven with the perfect backdrop to every view.

Owner’s Suite

Deck 3 / Cabin Size: 25 sqm.

The most lavish suites feature spacious interiors and a large outdoor balcony. Panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows bathe the suite with sunlight and allow you to take in sweeping views of incredible riverside scenery. A separate sitting area beckons for private in-suite dining. Guests staying in our Owner’s Suites will also benefit from a complimentary laundry and pressing service, along with a complimentary spa treatment

Balcony Suite

Deck 2 and 3 / Cabin size: 17 sqm.

The opulent Balcony Suites feature electric floor-to-ceiling slide down windoes that open with ease to a French Balcony, offering ample fresh air and light-filled interiors. Guests staying in Category P Balcony Suites will also benefit from a complimentary laundry service.

Twin Window Suite

Deck 1 / Cabin size: 15 sqm.

Warm, rustic tones and wooden accents combine with earthy linens to evoke a sense of cosiness and calm in our charming Twin Window Suites.